Need help adding 2nd battery and running power to bed

I'm not smart enough on wiring/electrical to even search for what thread I need.

Looking for a thread or info on the easiest way to mount up a spare battery (and how/where to mount it under a 2nd gen hood) that will charge off the alternator when running, but is isolated to run purely aux accessories when the truck is off, leaving my #1 battery for cranking. My old skin boat had a battery selector switch to runoff #1, #2 or both, not sure if that's an option on trucks. Don't know what I dont know.

Also, a good switch panel for the back "tool compartment"? Hoping to run power to a panel, looking for a cigarette lighter, USB port and then a few switches that I can wire bed, exterior "camp" and RTT lights into.

Thanks in advance for helping the EE noob.

 

if you're looking to just use second battery to power accessories and not to help with starting then try look at a dc-dc charger vs smart relay. the below is a quote from someone who ran into issues with the blue sea switch, dual battery, and dometic fridge.

So, after a lot of research it seems due to the smart alternators, we have it does not charge both of our batteries properly like AGM batteries need to be charged. Blue sea switch does not charge anything it just isolates the batteries. We need DC to DC chargers to properly charge both batteries. I ripped out the old system bought 2 new batteries and a DC to DC charger.

 

I'm using the ibs system and no issues so far but i don't have anything like a fridge on my 2nd battery circuit. just some lights, and the compressor. i got the dual batteries because there have been times when leaving the truck sitting for months has been unavoidable.

... and tw said i needed it to be cool

 

Agm batteries charge at a slightly higher voltage. Second gens can accommodate this with a diode to replace the 1A fuse because the diode cause a roughly .6V drop that is sensed and results in boosted alternator output. Third gens can’t use this hardware hack.

 

Thanks fellas, any switch panel recs for the truck bed?

This seems like something DIY even for a non electrical engineer type, just need to find a good write-up on wiring up the 2nd battery?

 

Bumping this up...may spend the money on this genesis setup, looks easy for a dummy like me.

Still looking for idea for switch/outlet panels that can be mounted in the bed, maybe in that removable cover aft of the wheel well

 

how much does that weigh? I've read about damage to the factory battery location from the weight of the battery and offroading. the battery can tear the body at the mounting holes. just something to consider.

 

Not a clue. Open to other ideas, on my LC, the spare battery was mounted on the opposite side of the engine bay.

Where do folks typically mount the 2nd batt on a tacoma?

 

If just for RTT, I would just get solar panel and inverter charge that battery. 100w flexible panel is around $50 on eBay

 

So single battery and just charge it during day with solar, use it at night?

Yes, just for a GFC so main truck bed
/frame area as well as a string of lights in clamshell tent

 

Standard 12v battery is about 500w, it take 300w panel a to charge battery full in one day or so.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/100W-Solar...MIlciVxuS97gIVIQV9Ch2CJwjbEAQYASABEgLC9vD_BwE

 

Some double up at the stock location but off-roading can generate cracks in several places(wheel well, radiator radiator surround, it’s all just tin) and it also exacerbates the taco lean with batteries, you, and fuel all on the same side of the truck. If there’s room, some mount it in the engine bay on the passenger side. Others put it in the bed, preferably on the passenger side. A completely sealed unit can be installed inside the cab against the back wall. Of those options either of the last two would be my choice.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ts-see-them-multiple-batteries-thread.295653/
Dual battery thread^^^^

Sounds like a dual battery may be overhill for you.
You might want to look into jackery or goal zero battery banks. Charge before you leave home, then use. Great for lower power usage applications.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08FJ8BD9C/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_7?smid=ANIAXF19V9Y9W&psc=1
it was on sale for 300bucks. Get warranty it will be worth it